Playoffs begin this weekend

October 29, 2003

For the third time in four years, all three Otsego County football teams have advanced to the postseason playoffs.

In Div. III, Gaylord is hoping to repeat as district champion once again. The Blue Devils finished the regular season with a 7-2 mark but still earned enough computer points to be the No. 1 seed in their four-team district. They host Mt. Pleasant on Saturday. Last year, Gaylord won its first two playoff games before being beaten by eventual state champion East Grand Rapids in the regional finals.

In Div. VIII, St. Mary begins its quest for another trip to the state finals. Last year, the Snowbirds lost in overtime to Waterford Our Lady of the Lakes, 13-10, at the Silverdome. It was St. Mary's only loss of the season.

Johannesburg-Lewiston travels to the field of Manistee Catholic Central on Friday night. The surprising Cardinals may be underdogs, but they are playing with a great deal of confidence.

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Mt. Pleasant (6-3) at Gaylord (7-2)

When: Saturday, 1 p.m.

Where: Gaylord High School

At Stake: Winner moves to Div. III, Region 1, District 1 finals against the winner of Escanaba at St. Johns.

Series: This is first meeting

Playoff History: Mt. Pleasant is 2-4 overall in the playoffs; Gaylord is 2-3. Mt. Pleasant last made the playoffs in 1998. Gaylord has been in the playoffs the last three years, including a berth in the regional finals a year ago.

Pickford (7-2) at St. Mary (9-0)

When: Saturday, Noon

Where: Gaylord Intermediate School

At Stake: Winner moves to Div. VIII, Region 1, District 2 finals vs. the winner of the Posen at Bark River-Harris.

Series: Pickford is 2-0 vs. St. Mary, winning games in 1990 (20-6) and 1991 (45-0).

Playoff History: Pickford is 4-4 in the playoffs; St. Mary is 13-10. Pickford last made the playoffs in 1992. St. Mary has been in the playoffs the last four years in a row and finished as state runner-up in 1999 and 2002.

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Johannesburg-Lewiston (7-2) at Manistee Cath Central (9-0)

When: Friday, 7:30 p.m.

Where: Manistee Catholic Central

At Stake: Winner moves to Div. VIII, Region 2, District 2 finals vs. the winner of Bellaire at Frankfort.

Series: This is first meeting

Playoff History: MCC is 1-3 overall in the playoffs; J-L is 2-9, including a berth in the state semifinals in 1998. MCC also made the playoffs last year, losing to Beal City 23-8 in the second round. J-L has been in the playoffs in seven of the past eight years and nine of the past 11.